Plateau Reports 469 Suspected Diphtheria Cases, 31 Deaths

Plateau has reported 469 suspected cases of diphtheria, with 31 deaths, while 160,000 children have been vaccinated against the disease, according to the state government on Thursday in Jos.

Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, Plateau Commissioner for Health, said this on Thursday in Jos at a news conference, saying the government had intensified measures to contain the disease across Plateau statewide.

Ba’amlong said the state began recording children with symptoms suggestive of diphtheria at the beginning of 2026, adding that the situation became a public health concern in August during the period.

He said the government had intensified sensitisation and vaccination campaigns in affected communities across the state to contain the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable children effectively across Plateau communities.